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Microsoft has a patent for a gaming helmet and glasses

Reports have surfaced indicating that Microsoft holds a patent for both a gaming helmet and gaming glasses.

With all of the new innovations in video gaming ranging from motion-control technology to stereoscopic 3D, a recent revelation that Microsoft holds a patent for both a gaming helmet and gaming glasses isn't entirely surprising. Concept sketches of the two patents--filed back in September of 2010--reveal the fighter-pilot-style helmet and high-tech eyewear. While there's no guarantee either of them will ever be manufactured, the technology behind them is interesting, as is the notion that gamers might be receptive to purchasing such devices.
The original report on PatentBolt (via CVG) indicates that both devices would allow a user to "view images from a computer, media player, or other electronic device with privacy and mobility." The helmet is clearly geared toward gamers, specifically, while the glasses are meant to be used with "smartphones, MP3 players and other future devices." Each device would also support stereoscopic 3D.
As also noted in the report, the one of the patent concept sketches illustrates that "each projector may project a 16:9 aspect ratio image that will appear to the wearer as if it were 21 inches in diagonal and viewed at arm's length." PatentBolt also points out that "the projectors may be at least partly transparent, so that the wearer can see external objects as well as the virtual display images," whereas similar concepts typically shut the user off from the outside world completely.
The primary issue with the proposed devices is delivering images using "compact, robust optical arrangement" without losing resolution or visual fidelity. Microsoft's proposed solution to this involves the use of a "virtual image projector," which is comprised of "a laser configured to form a narrow beam, first and second dilation optics [each with their own diffraction grating], first and second redirection optics, and a controller." How this will work, in theory, is described in technical detail in the report, for those interested in more information.